Dictionary

consume

verb con·sume \kən-ˈsüm\

: to eat or drink (something)

: to use (fuel, time, resources, etc.)

: to destroy (something) with fire

con·sumedcon·sum·ing

Full Definition of CONSUME

transitive verb
1
:  to do away with completely :  destroy <fire consumed several buildings>
2
a :  to spend wastefully :  squander
b :  use up <writing consumed much of his time>
3
a :  to eat or drink especially in great quantity <consumed several bags of pretzels>
b :  to enjoy avidly :  devour <mysteries, which she consumes for fun — E. R. Lipson>
4
:  to engage fully :  engross <consumed with curiosity>
5
:  to utilize as a customer <consume goods and services>
intransitive verb
1
:  to waste or burn away :  perish
2
:  to utilize economic goods
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of CONSUME

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French consumer, from Latin consumere, from com- + sumere to take up, take, from sub- up + emere to take — more at sub-, redeem
First Known Use: 14th century
CONSUME Defined for Kids

consume

verb con·sume \kən-ˈsüm\
con·sumedcon·sum·ing

Definition of CONSUME for Kids

1
:  to destroy by or as if by fire
2
:  to eat or drink up
3
:  to use up <consume electricity> <Our entire day was consumed searching for his glasses.>
4
:  to take up the interest or attention of <Curiosity consumed the crowd.>

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: consumedlyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: consumable All Words Near: consume
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears